Cost effective plasma combined heat and power system

ABSTRACT

A method of generating syngas as a primary product from renewable feedstock, fossil fuels, or hazardous waste with the use of a cupola. The cupola operates on inductive heat alone, chemically assisted heat, or plasma assisted heat. Cupola operation is augmented by employing carbon or graphite rods to carry electrical current into the metal bath that is influenced by the inductive element. The method includes the steps of providing a cupola for containing a metal bath; and operating an inductive element to react with the metal bath. A combination of fossil fuel, a hazardous waste, and a hazardous material is supplied to the cupola. A plasma torch operates on the metal bath directly, indirectly, or in a downdraft arrangement. Steam, air, oxygen enriched air, or oxygen are supplied to the metal bath. A pregassifier increases efficiency and a duct fired burner is added to a simple cycle turbine with fossil fuel augmentation.

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part patent application ofPCT/US2012/024726, filed on Feb. 10, 2012, which is based on ProvisionalPatent Application U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/526,248 filed Aug. 22, 2011 and claiming the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/463,022 filed on Feb. 10,2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/525,708 filedon Aug. 19, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to systems for generating heat andpower, and more particularly, to an inductive and plasma based systemthat generates Combined Heat and Power using multiple back up modes ofoperation.

Description of the Related Art

Combined Heat and Power (hereinafter, “CHP”) systems, as well as plasmabased systems, are known. Although these two types of known systems havebeen combined in simple arrangements, such as internal combustion basedsystems, there is a need for a system that achieves the benefits andadvantages of both such technologies.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a system theachieves the benefits of Combined Heat and Power systems, and plasmabased systems.

It is another object of this invention to provide a cost-effective,commercially viable, renewable CHP system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objects are achieved by this invention whichprovides, a method of producing CHP, the method including the steps of:

providing a cupola for containing a plasma source;

providing an inductive element;

providing a metal bath in the cupola; and

delivering a feedstock to the cupola.

In accordance with a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention,the feedstock is a fossil fuel. In other embodiments, the feedstock is ahazardous waste, and in still further embodiments, the feedstock is acombination of any organic compound, fossil fuel, or hazardous material.

In one embodiment, there is further provided the step of operating theinductive element to react with the metal bath to generate syngas.Additionally, there is provided the step of supplementing the step ofoperating an inductive element by the further step of operating a plasmatorch. A plasma torch is operated on the metal bath, in one embodiment,selectably directly and indirectly. In some embodiments, the step ofoperating a plasma torch is performed in a downdraft arrangement, and inyet further embodiments, the step of operating a plasma torch isperformed at an angle other than vertical.

There is provided the further step of supplementing the step ofoperating an inductive element by performing the further step ofinjecting steam to enhance the production of syngas. The step ofoperating an inductive element is supplemented by performing the furtherstep of injecting a selectable one of air, oxygen enriched air, andoxygen. In a further embodiment, there is provided the further step ofsupplementing the step of operating an inductive element by performingthe further step of conducting electrical energy via a conductive rodformed of a selectable one of graphite and carbon into the metal bath.

In accordance with a further method aspect of the invention, there isprovided a method of producing CHP, the method including the steps of:

providing a cupola for containing a metal bath; and

operating an inductive element to react with the metal bath to generatesyngas.

In one embodiment of this further method aspect there is provided thestep of providing the syngas to a duct fired burner, which may also betermed an “afterburner,” to produce steam. In some embodiments of theinvention, the step of providing the syngas to a duct fired burner toproduce steam includes the further step of providing natural gas to theduct fired burner. In some such embodiments, the mix of syngas tonatural gas delivered to the duct fired burner or simple cycle turbineranges between 0% to 100%.

In an advantageous embodiment, there is provided the step of generatingsteam from the duct fired burner, and there is provided the further stepof generating steam from a heat recovery system, the steam from the ductfired burner and the heat recovery system being provided to a steamturbine to make electricity.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the mix of syngas to fossilfuel delivered to the duct fired burner or simple cycle turbine rangesbetween 0% to 100%.

In a still further method aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of producing CHP, the method including the steps of:

providing a cupola for containing a metal bath;

operating an inductive element to react with the metal bath; and

supplementing the step of operating an inductive element by the furtherstep of operating a plasma torch and a pregassifier.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofproducing CHP, the method including the steps of:

providing a cupola for containing a metal bath;

operating an inductive element to react with the metal bath; and

supplementing the step of operating an inductive element by the furtherstep of propagating a selectable one of plasma and electricity into themetal bath to supplement heating of the cupola by the step of operatingan inductive element with a pregassifier and a turbine generator and aheat recovery system (hereinafter, “HRS”).

In a still further method aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of producing CHP, the method including the steps of:

providing a cupola for containing a metal bath;

operating an inductive element to react with the metal bath; and

supplementing the step of operating an inductive element by the furtherstep of propagating a selectable one of plasma and electricity into themetal bath to supplement heating of the cupola by the step of operatingan inductive element with a pregassifier and a turbine generator whichis augmented with a duct fired burner before the HRS.

In a further embodiment the duct fired burner maybe run on 100% syngasor a blend of a fossil fuel and syngas that could range to 100% fossilfuel. The turbine maybe run on 100% syngas or a blend of fossil fuelthat may range to 100% fossil fuel. The steam generated by the ductfired burner and HRS is, in some embodiments, sold as thermal power orused to power a second steam turbine in a conventional duct fired burneraugmented combined cycle generation system.

In one embodiment, there is provided the further step of supplementingthe step of operating an inductive element by performing the furtherstep of conducting electrical energy via a conductive rod formed of aselectable one of graphite and carbon into the metal bath.

In a further embodiment, the pregassifier has multiple stages. The firststage of the gassifier is heated by steam and the second stage is heatedby higher temperature steam, air, molten salt, or any other hightemperature heat transfer medium.

In accordance with a method aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of producing combined heat and power with the use of inductivefurnace technology, and optionally with plasma assisted heat withdirect, or indirect applications of energy. Additionally, the method ofthe present invention optionally employs downdraft assisted plasmaenergy. In accordance with a specific illustrative embodiment, themethod of the present invention produces heat via an inductive heatingelement by exciting and heating a metal bath in a cupola. The metal bathis used, in some embodiments, to produce syngas alone as a heat sourceor it is supplemented by a plasma torch system. In some embodiments, thecupola is used to process renewable feedstocks, fossil fuels, orhazardous materials. The heat required to produce syngas is, in someembodiments, supplemented by injection of air, oxygen enriched air, oroxygen into the cupola. The syngas process is also supplemented, in someembodiments, by the injection of steam to the cupola.

The system is configured in a novel way to yield extremely high overallefficiency. A combination of common production components and a highefficiency system design are incorporated in a novel way to achieve thegoal of a low cost CHP system. The feedstock to run the operation insome embodiments, is a renewable fuel such as Municipal Solid Waste(hereinafter, “MSW”), biomass, algae, or fossil fuels.

The invention utilizes the high temperature syngas produced by theinductive plasma process with a simple cycle turbine operating at itsmaximum fuel inlet temperature. A duct fired burner is located at theoutlet of the turbine and before a HRS. The fuel for the duct firedburner is delivered to the system at the maximum allowable temperature.The high velocities, elevated temperatures, available oxygen, and mixingcharacteristics at the turbine outlet before the duct fired burnerpromote high efficiency in the duct fired burner and exceptionally highefficiency in the HRS for steam production. The overall systemefficiency in some embodiments of the invention is over twice that ofconventional coal steam generators in use today.

In a further embodiment the duct fired burner maybe run on 100% syngasor a blend of a fossil fuel and syngas that could range to 100% fossilfuel. The turbine maybe run on 100% syngas or a blend of fossil fuelthat may range to 100% fossil fuel. The steam generated by the ductfired burner and HRS maybe sold as thermal power or may be used to powera second steam turbine in a conventional duct fired burner augmentedcombined cycle generation system.

The novel addition of natural gas in the system also allows forredundancy and scalability in the system. The steam output is be tripledin many cases by the additional injection of natural gas or other fossilfuels to the duct fired burner. In some embodiments of the invention theturbine has its syngas-derived fuel sweetened with the natural gas, ifnecessary. Finally an advantageous use of pregassifiers is utilized inthe system to boost the overall plant efficiency and attain the goal ofa cost effective production facility.

The inventive system also takes incorporates the use of inductive bathswith direct acting, indirect acting, and down draft, plasma assist.Additionally, the system of the present invention incorporates a ductfired burner application on the outlet of the simple cycle turbine toimprove system efficiency. The steam generated by the duct fired burnerand HRS may be sold as thermal power or may be used to power a secondsteam turbine in a conventional duct fired burner augmented combinedcycle generation system.

In accordance with yet a further method aspect of the invention, thereis provided a method of producing combined heat and power, the methodincluding the steps of:

providing a cupola for containing a metal bath;

operating an inductive element to react with the metal bath to generatesyngas; and

providing the syngas to a duct fired burner to produce steam.

In one embodiment of this yet further method aspect, the step ofproviding the syngas to a duct fired burner to produce steam includesthe further step of providing natural gas to the duct fired burner.

In some embodiments, the steam that is generated from the duct firedburner and the HRS are utilized by a steam turbine to make electricity.

The mix of syngas to fossil fuel that is delivered to the duct firedburner or to the simple cycle turbine ranges between 0% to 100%. Inother embodiments, the mix of syngas to natural gas delivered to theduct fired burner or simple cycle turbine ranges between 0% to 100%.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Comprehension of the invention is facilitated by reading the followingdetailed description, in conjunction with the annexed drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a cupola arrangementconstructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic representation showing in greaterdetail a lower portion of the cupola of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic representation showing an indirectapplication of a plasma torch on an inductive metal bath and the cupola;

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic representation showing a secondindirect application of a plasma torch disposed at an angle relative tothe cupola; and

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic representation of a specificillustrative embodiment of a system configured in accordance with theprinciples of the invention for producing combined heat and power.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a cupola arrangement100 constructed in accordance with the invention. As shown in thisfigure, a cupola shell 101 is provided with an inlet 104 for introducinga feedstock (not shown) that in some embodiments of the invention is arenewable feedstock, a fossil fuel, or a hazardous waste (not shown).Any combination of the three forms of feedstock can be used in thepractice of the invention. There is additionally provided in an outletport 106 for enabling removal of the generated syngas (not shown). Incontrast to conventional inductive furnaces that facilitate a largeoutlet for metal or alloy production, there is no other outlet for suchproduct. There is an additional small drain 110 for eliminatinginorganic slag.

It is a feature of the present invention that primarily organiccompounds are processed to produce syngas. The specific illustrativeembodiment of the invention described herein is essentially a bucketarrangement wherein an indirect electrical arc services a non-transferinductive furnace. This is distinguishable from the conventional use ofan inductive furnace, which is to make metals and alloys.

FIG. 1 further shows cupola arrangement 100 to have a direct actingplasma torch 115, which in some embodiments of the invention, as will bedescribed below in relation to FIGS. 3, and 4, is an indirect actingplasma torch, to assist in the cupola heating process. In otherembodiments, plasma torch 115 is a carbon or graphite rod that is usedto conduct AC or DC electrical energy into a metal bath 120. The returnpath for the electrical energy has been omitted from this figure for thesake of clarity.

There is provided in this specific illustrative embodiment of theinvention a cathode 122 that is coupled electrically to an inductiveelement 125. Additionally, inductive element 125 has associatedtherewith an anode 127.

Air, oxygen enriched air, or oxygen are injected into cupola arrangement100 via an inlet 130 to assist in the generation of heat using chemicalenergy and steam that is delivered via an inlet 132. The chemical energyand steam are injected for the further purpose of assisting in thegeneration of syngas. The process of the present invention can, in someembodiments, be performed in a pyrolysis, or air starved, mode ofoperation.

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic representation showing in greaterdetail a lower portion of cupola arrangement 100 of FIG. 1. Elements ofstructure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated.Inductive element 125 reacts on metal bath 120. Metal bath 120 canconsist of any metal or alloy such as aluminum for low temperature workor titanium for high temperature work. Metal bath 120 is kept at aconstant fill level 134 by operation of slag drain 110 through which aslag product 135 is drained.

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic representation showing a cupolaarrangement 200, wherein there is illustrated an indirect application ofa plasma torch 115 on an inductive metal bath and the cupola forenhancing the heating process. In this specific illustrative embodimentof the invention, plasma torch 115 has a power capacity of 0.2 MW.Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarlydesignated. As shown in this figure, syngas outlet 106 is lengthened inthis specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, and is shown tohave vertical and horizontal portions, 106 a and 106 b, respectively.Indirectly acting plasma torch 115 is, in this embodiment, inserted inthe end of vertical section 106 a. In this specific illustrativeembodiment of the invention, syngas outlet 106 is refractory-lined andinsulated (not shown).

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, there is shown an inlet 107 via which isprovided municipal solid waste (MSW) (not specifically designated) as afeedstock. Of course, other types of feedstock, as hereinabove noted,can be used in the practice of the invention.

The product syngas in this embodiment is forced to exit into verticalsection 106 a where it communicates with the high temperature plume (notspecifically designated) and the radiant heat that is issued by plasmatorch 115. The syngas and syngas outlet 106 both are heated by operationof plasma torch 115. In this specific illustrative embodiment of theinvention, the heated horizontal portion 106 b of syngas outlet 106 issubjected to a heat extraction arrangement that delivers the heat toinlet 107 for the purpose of pre-gasifying the MSW feedstock. The heatextraction arrangement is formed by an impeller 210 that urges a fluid(not shown) along a fluid loop that includes a region 212 where thefluid is heated by communication with heated horizontal portion 106 b ofsyngas outlet 106. The heated fluid then is propagated to a heatexchanger 215 where a portion of the heat therein is transferred to theincoming MSW feedstock that is being delivered at inlet 107.

There is additionally shown in this figure a steam inlet 132, ashereinabove described. However, the steam is shown in this figure to besupplied by a steam supply 220, and the steam then is conducted to afurther heat exchanger 225 where a portion of the heat in the steam istransferred to the incoming MSW feedstock that is being delivered atinlet 107. Heat exchangers 215 and 225 thereby constitute apre-gassifier for the MSW feedstock, whereby the production of syngas isenhanced.

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic representation of a cupola arrangement250 showing a second indirect application of a plasma torch that isdisposed at an angle relative to the cupola. Elements of structure thathave previously been discussed are similarly designated. As shown inthis figure, the outlet port 106 is fabricated in part at an angle thatin some embodiments is greater than 90° to induce tumbling and mixing inthe product syngas (not shown). Thus, in addition to vertical andhorizontal portions, 106 a and 106 b, respectively, there is shown inthis specific illustrative embodiment of the invention an angularportion 106 c. Plasma torch 115 is shown to be inserted in angularportion 106 c.

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic representation of a specificillustrative embodiment of a system 500 configured in accordance withthe principles of the invention for producing combined heat and power.As shown in this figure, a main feed tube 501 serves as an input forfeedstock, in the form of Municipal Solid Waste 504 (“MSW”) for fuelingthe system. Feed tube 501 is preheated in a novel way to increaseefficiency with a heat transfer system 502 that is, in the embodiment,operating on waste low pressure steam heat generated from sensible heatthat is recovered from the inductive/plasma process taking place in aplasma/inductive chamber 505.

In this embodiment, sensible heat is recovered using a syngas quenchsystem 512 that serves to generate waste heat steam 514. This steam,which is delivered to the pregassifier along steam conduit 507, istypically below 400° F. A second stage of pregassifier energy isprovided to the feedstock to improve system efficiency, at a highertemperature at pregassifier loop 503. Pregassifier loop 503 extractsheat from syngas 510 by operation of an impeller, such as compressor508, which urges a flow of heated fluid (not specifically designated)through the loop. At least a portion of the heated fluid, in thisspecific illustrative embodiment of the invention, is delivered toplasma/inductive chamber 505 at an input 526. Plasma/inductive chamber505 incorporates, in some embodiments, a cupola arrangement (notspecifically designated in this figure), as described above.

This added energy serves to improve overall performance by the use ofwaste heat recovered from sensible energy on the outlet of theplasma/inductive chamber 505. In this case the transfer media istypically air or extreme high temperature steam. More exotic heattransfer media like molten salt are used in some embodiments. It is tobe understood that the system of the present invention is not limited totwo stages of pregassification heat process and transfer, as multiplesuch gassifier systems are used in the practice of some embodiments, ofthe invention.

As noted, MSW 504 is used as a feedstock in this process example.Inductive coil 506 and plasma torch 509 are the primary energy sourcesor inputs that react with MSW 504 to produce Syngas 510. Inductive coil506 reacts against a molten metal bath (not shown) in plasma/inductivechamber 505.

A filter 511 and quench system 512 are portions of the emissionreduction system. Sorbents (not shown) are injected and used in someembodiments, but have been omitted in this figure for sake of clarity ofthe drawing. The semi-processed syngas 510 is split out through conduit513 and fed directly into a duct fired burner 517 at the highesttemperature available. The balance of the syngas is fed into acompressor 515 and boosted in pressure to be fed into turbine 516.Fossil fuel such as natural gas from pipe 523 and 525 may be mixed withthe syngas in concentrations from 0 to 100%. Other fossil fuels such as,but not limited to, butane, propane, or diesel may also be used. Air(not specifically designated) enters turbine 516, and the hightemperature, high velocity, and turbulent air at the outlet (notspecifically designated) of turbine 516 is boosted to a higher energystate through the added energy of duct fired burner 517. A heat recoverysystem (“HRS”) 518 is shown to be in direct communication with theenergy-rich outlet gas from the turbine produces steam 521, which issold to customers or could be routed to a low turbine (not shown) toproduce electricity in a combined cycle configuration (not shown).

Electrical power 523 is generated at electrical generator 527, which asshown, receives rotatory mechanical power in this embodiment fromturbine 516. As noted electrical energy may also be generated from anadditional steam turbine driven off of steam pipe 521. Electrical outputpower 522 from the electrical generator is used to run the process inplasma chamber 505. Also, electrical output power 523 or the steamturbine generated electrical power driven off of pipe 521 is availablefor sale to a third party. Natural gas or other fossil fuel gas isboosted into turbine 516 at input 525 to enhance performance andreliability. Natural gas or other fossil fuel energy is boosted intoinput 523 of duct fired burner 517. This too enhances overall systemperformance and reliability.

This process of the present invention also serves as a system backup ifthe production of syngas 510 is for any reason stopped or reduced. Asecond back up boiler 520 functions as a redundant steam generator toexpand the production range of the facility and to add another level ofredundancy to the steam production. As shown, back-up boiler 520receives water in this embodiment at an input 530 and issues steam at anoutput 532. Back-up boiler 520 is, in some embodiments, operated onsyngas, fossil fuel, or a combination of both. In addition, a naturalgas source 519 is shown to supply back-up boiler 520 and also serves asa boost to turbine 516 at an input 525.

Although the invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art can, in lightof this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding thescope or departing from the spirit of the invention described andclaimed herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing anddescription in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehensionof the invention, and should not be construed to limit the scopethereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of producing combined heat and power,the method comprising the steps of: providing a cupola for containing aplasma source; providing an inductive element; providing a metal bath inthe cupola; delivering a feedstock to the cupola; draining a slagproduct from a top of the metal bath to keep the metal bath at aconstant fill level; generating syngas from the feedstock with heat fromthe metal bath; heating the syngas with an indirectly acting plasmatorch after the syngas enters a syngas outlet, wherein the plasma torchis placed within the syngas outlet; providing the syngas to a duct firedburner to produce steam, wherein the syngas is provided to the ductfired burner at a maximum allowable temperature of the duct firedburner; and generating power from the syngas.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the feedstock is a fossil fuel.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the feedstock is a hazardous waste.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the feedstock is a combination of any organic compound, fossilfuel, or hazardous material.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein there isfurther provided the step of heating the metal bath to a molten statewithin the cupola with the inductive element.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein there is further provided the step of operating the inductiveelement to react with the metal bath to generate the syngas.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein there is further provided the step ofsupplementing said step of operating an inductive element by the furtherstep of operating a second plasma torch.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein said step of operating a second plasma torch is performed tooperate on the metal bath selectably directly and indirectly.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein said step of operating a second plasma torchis performed in a downdraft arrangement.
 10. The method of claim 8,wherein said step of operating a second plasma torch is performed at anangle other than vertical.
 11. The method of claim 6, wherein there isprovided the further step of supplementing said step of operating aninductive element by performing the further step of injecting steam toenhance the production of syngas.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid step of providing the syngas to a duct fired burner to producesteam includes the further step of providing natural gas to the ductfired burner.
 13. The method of claim 12, where the mix of syngas tonatural gas delivered to the duct fired burner or simple cycle turbineranges between 0% to 100%.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein there isprovided the step of generating steam from the duct fired burner, andthere is provided the further step of generating steam from a heatrecovery system, the steam from the duct fired burner and the heatrecovery system being provided to a steam turbine to make electricity.15. The method of claim 1, further providing a fossil fuel to the ductfired burner, where the mix of syngas to fossil fuel delivered to theduct fired burner or simple cycle turbine ranges between 0% to 100%. 16.The method of claim 6, wherein there is provided the further step ofsupplementing said step of operating an inductive element by performingthe further step of injecting a selectable one of air and oxygen. 17.The method of claim 6, wherein there is provided the further step ofsupplementing said step of operating an inductive element by performingthe further step of conducting electrical energy via a conductive rodformed of a selectable one of graphite and carbon into the metal bath.18. A method of producing combined heat and power, the method comprisingthe steps of: providing a cupola for containing a metal bath; deliveringa feedstock to the cupola; operating an inductive element to react withthe metal bath to generate syngas from the feedstock; draining a slagproduct from a top of the metal bath to keep the metal bath at aconstant fill level; heating the syngas with an indirectly acting plasmatorch after the syngas enters a syngas outlet, wherein the plasma torchis placed within the syngas outlet; providing the syngas to a duct firedburner to produce steam, wherein the syngas is provided to the ductfired burner at a maximum allowable temperature of the duct firedburner; and generating power from the syngas.
 19. The method of claim18, wherein the feedstock is a fossil fuel.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein said step of providing the syngas to a duct fired burner toproduce steam includes the further step of providing natural gas to theduct fired burner.
 21. The method of claim 20, where the mix of syngasto natural gas delivered to the duct fired burner or simple cycleturbine ranges between 0% to 100%.
 22. The method of claim 21, whereinthere is provided the step of generating steam from the duct firedburner, and there is provided the further step of generating steam froma heat recovery system, the steam from the duct fired burner and theheat recovery system being provided to a steam turbine to makeelectricity.
 23. The method of claim 18, where the mix of syngas tofossil fuel delivered to the duct fired burner or simple cycle turbineranges between 0% to 100%.
 24. The method of claim 18, wherein thefeedstock is a hazardous waste.
 25. The method of claim 18, wherein thefeedstock is a combination of any organic compound, fossil fuel, orhazardous material.
 26. The method of claim 18, wherein there isprovided the further step of supplementing said step of operating aninductive element by performing the further step of operating a secondplasma torch.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said step of operatinga second plasma torch is performed to operate on the metal bathselectably directly and indirectly.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherethe second plasma torch is arranged in a downdraft arrangement to workin parallel with the inductive furnace.
 29. The method of claim 28,where the second plasma torch in a downdraft arrangement can be placedat an angle other than vertical.
 30. The method of claim 18, whereinthere is provided the further step of supplementing said step ofoperating an inductive element by performing the further step ofinjecting steam to enhance the production of syngas.
 31. The method ofclaim 18, wherein there is provided the further step of supplementingsaid step of operating an inductive element by performing the furtherstep of injecting a selectable one of air and oxygen.
 32. A method ofproducing combined heat and power, the method comprising the steps of:providing a cupola for containing a metal bath; delivering a feedstockto the cupola; operating an inductive element to react with the metalbath; generating syngas from the feedstock with heat from the metalbath; supplementing said step of operating an inductive element by thefurther step of operating a first plasma torch and a pregassifier;draining a slag product from a top of the metal bath to keep the metalbath at a constant fill level; heating the syngas with an indirectlyacting second plasma torch after the syngas enters a syngas outlet,wherein the second plasma torch is placed within the syngas outlet;providing the syngas to a duct fired burner to produce steam, whereinthe syngas is provided to the duct fired burner at a maximum allowabletemperature of the duct fired burner; and generating power from thesyngas.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein said step of operating afirst plasma torch is performed to operate on the metal bath selectablydirectly and indirectly.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein there isfurther provided the step of supplementing said step of operating aninductive element by performing the further step of adding chemicalheat.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein there is further provided thestep of supplementing said step of operating an inductive element byperforming the further step of injecting steam to enhance the productionof syngas.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein there is further providedthe step of providing natural gas to the duct fired burner.
 37. Themethod of claim 36, wherein there is further provided the step ofproviding the syngas to a heat recovery system to generate steam, wherethe steam generated from the duct fired burner and heat recovery systemare utilized by a steam turbine to make electricity.
 38. The method ofclaim 36, wherein there is provided the step of delivering a fossil fuelto the duct fired burner or simple cycle furnace, wherein the mix ofsyngas to fossil fuel delivered to the duct fired burner or simple cycleturbine ranges between 0% to 100%.
 39. The method of claim 36, where themix of syngas to natural gas delivered to the duct fired burner orsimple cycle turbine ranges between 0% to 100%.
 40. The method of claim32, wherein there is further provided the step of supplementing saidstep of operating an inductive element by performing the further step ofinjecting a selectable one of air and oxygen.
 41. A method of producingcombined heat and power, the method comprising the steps of: providing acupola for containing a metal bath; operating an inductive element toreact with the metal bath; delivering a feedstock to the cupola;generating syngas from the feedstock with heat from the metal bath;supplementing said step of operating an inductive element by the furtherstep of propagating a selectable one of plasma and electricity into themetal bath to supplement heating of the cupola by said step of operatingan inductive element with a pregassifier and a turbine generator and aheat recovery system; draining a slag product from a top of the metalbath to keep the metal bath at a constant fill level; heating the syngaswith an indirectly acting plasma torch after the syngas enters a syngasoutlet, wherein the plasma torch is placed within the syngas outlet;providing the syngas to a duct fired burner to produce steam, whereinthe syngas is provided to the duct fired burner at a maximum allowabletemperature of the duct fired burner; and generating power from thesyngas.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein there is provided thefurther step of supplementing said step of operating an inductiveelement by performing the further step of operating a second plasmatorch.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein said step of operating asecond plasma torch is performed to operate on the metal bath selectablydirectly and indirectly.
 44. The method of claim 41, wherein there isprovided the further step of supplementing said step of operating aninductive element by performing the further step of injecting steam toenhance the production of syngas.
 45. The method of claim 41, whereinthere is provided the further step of supplementing said step ofoperating an inductive element by performing the further step ofinjecting a selectable one of air and oxygen.
 46. The method of claim41, wherein there is provided the further step of supplementing saidstep of operating an inductive element by performing the further step ofconducting electrical energy via a conductive rod formed of a selectableone of graphite and carbon into the metal bath.
 47. A method ofproducing combined heat and power, the method comprising the steps of:providing a cupola for containing a metal bath; operating an inductiveelement to react with the metal bath; delivering a feedstock to thecupola; generating syngas from the feedstock with heat from the metalbath; supplementing said step of operating an inductive element by thefurther step of propagating a selectable one of plasma and electricityinto the metal bath to supplement heating of the cupola by said step ofoperating an inductive element with a pregassifier and a turbinegenerator which is augmented with a duct fired burner before the heatrecovery system; draining a slag product from a top of the metal bath tokeep the metal bath at a constant fill level; heating the syngas with anindirectly acting plasma torch after the syngas enters a syngas outlet,wherein the plasma torch is placed within the syngas outlet; providingthe syngas to the duct fired burner to produce steam, wherein the syngasis provided to the duct fired burner at a maximum allowable temperatureof the duct fired burner; and generating power from the syngas.
 48. Themethod of claim 47, wherein there is provided the further step ofsupplementing said step of operating an inductive element by performingthe further step of operating a second plasma torch.
 49. The method ofclaim 48, wherein said step of operating a second plasma torch isperformed to operate on the metal bath selectably directly andindirectly.
 50. The method of claim 47, wherein there is provided thefurther step of supplementing said step of operating an inductiveelement by performing the further step of injecting steam to enhance theproduction of syngas.
 51. The method of claim 47, wherein there isprovided the further step of supplementing said step of operating aninductive element by performing the further step of injecting aselectable one of air and oxygen.
 52. The method of claim 47, whereinthere is provided the further step of supplementing said step ofoperating an inductive element by performing the further step ofconducting electrical energy via a conductive rod formed of a selectableone of graphite and carbon into the metal bath.
 53. The method of claim47 where the pregassifier is multiple stages.
 54. The method of claim 53where the first stage of the gassifier is heated by steam and the secondstage is heated by higher temperature steam, air, molten salt, or anyother high temperature heat transfer medium.
 55. A method of producingcombined heat and power, the method comprising the steps of: providing acupola for containing a metal bath; delivering a feedstock to thecupola; operating an inductive element to react with the metal bath andcreate heat to generate syngas from the feedstock; draining a slagproduct from a top of the metal bath to keep the metal bath at aconstant fill level; heating the syngas with an indirectly acting plasmatorch after the syngas enters a syngas outlet, wherein the plasma torchis placed within the syngas outlet; providing the syngas to a duct firedburner to produce steam, wherein the syngas is provided to the ductfired burner at a maximum allowable temperature of the duct firedburner; and generating power from the steam.
 56. The method of claim 55,wherein said step of providing the syngas to a duct fired burner toproduce steam includes the further step of providing natural gas to theduct fired burner.
 57. The method of claim 55, where the steam generatedfrom the duct fired burner and the heat recovery system are utilized bya steam turbine to make electricity.
 58. The method of claim 55, wherethe mix of syngas to fossil fuel delivered to the duct fired burner orsimple cycle turbine ranges between 0% to 100%.
 59. The method of claim55, where the mix of syngas to natural gas delivered to the duct firedburner or simple cycle turbine ranges between 0% to 100%.